Blind was signed from Ajax over the summer for £13.8m having won four successive Eredivisie titles with his boyhood club and being named Dutch Player of the Year in 2013/14.

The 24-year-old knew Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal well from his time working with the former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss with the Netherlands national team.

However, since arriving at Old Trafford, Blind has come in for some criticism – not least from United legend and respected pundit Neville – but the versatile player has a response for the Englishman.

“I can take a bit of criticism. The people on TV can say what they want. You hear it but I think I have played some good games,” the Netherlands international was quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

“Of course you can play the ball forward but sometimes it is good to keep the ball in possession and make your team mates play better. I can make other players more important than myself. If I can do that by switching the play to the other side or wait for the right moment to do that then I will.

“I like the possession game. I like to keep the ball and wait for the openings.

“Of course, I listen to him (Gary Neville) but I try to play my own game and do what the trainer wants from me. He wants me to keep possession.”

Blind has made 10 appearances for Man United this season – all coming in the Premier League – and has scored one goal.